Moving from Lansing, MI to Memphis, TN
Relocating 722 mi from Lansing to Memphis is a 13h 10m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
722 mi · 13h 10m by car · TN → AR → MO → IL → IN → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → MO → IL → IN → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, US 78, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Chicago, Naperville, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lansing | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 94.991 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.519 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.472 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Lansing and Memphis sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Memphis run about 3.0% cheaper — ZHVI $163,359 → $144,710 (2026-03).
YoY change: Lansing +4.0%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lansing | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 83°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 50.2" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 54.9" |
Expect 14.9°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 2.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LANSING CAPITAL CITY AP, MI US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lansing | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,546 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $52,170 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.47 |
Household income lines up — $52,170 vs $51,211 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Memphis average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.9°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Lansing vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $52,170 in Lansing — a 1.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Memphis more expensive than Lansing?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 3.0% lower than Lansing (92.179 vs 94.991, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Memphis, TN from Lansing, MI?
The driving distance is 722 mi and the route typically takes 13h 10m via I 57 and US 78. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Lansing?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $163,359 in Lansing — a 11.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lansing to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 722 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Lansing?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $49,250 in the Lansing MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 211,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Lansing and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 48.5°F in Lansing (14.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 50.2 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 33.3 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lansing.
City profiles: Lansing, MI · Memphis, TN.